The Touch Research Institute has conducted over 100 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy on many functions and medical conditions in many different age groups. Among the significant research findings are enhanced growth (e.g. in preterm infants), diminished pain (e.g. fibromyalgia), decreased autoimmune problems (e.g., increased pulmonary function in asthma and decreased glucose levels in diabetes), enhanced immune function (e.g., increased natural killer cells in HIV and cancer), and enhanced alertness and performance (e.g., EEG pattern of alertness and better performance on math computations). Many of these effects appear to be mediated by decreased stress hormones. Several of these findings have been reviewed in the TRI newsletter (Touchpoints) and in the volumes Touch Therapy (Harcourt Brace), Touch (MIT Press) and Massage Therapy Research (Elsevier). The published papers can be obtained by taking the reference to your local university library (not a public library) and asking the librarian to help you find a paper. To order a packet of papers from the Touch Research Institute, please go on the internet to the order form under "Touchpoints" ($20 per 4 published papers).